I admit: I reluctantly began to interface w/the kids out of a sense of duty to my friend Robert Purser. Now I find I somewhat enjoy it (though it's exhausting) and for better or worse, am a bit caught up in it. probably for worse, see earlier letter....but I do care for them, at least as long as they are putting up an appearance of trying. Today they were very grateful and all said thank you many times.

Naturally the requests are endless.
Mumtaz now wants 200 Rs to supposedly get her father's rickshaw fixed. She also wants a second school dress, and bharatanatyam lessons. And the dentist, of course.
I told her we will do the dentist for sure.

Prabhu wants a second school set. and his puja of course. I said yes to puja.

Vela wants a new dress, and a varying list of other things from day to day. including a bank acct. So far I have said no to everything but new shoes.

I think at this point I will tell Mumtaz; okay, your money is your own. You must now make decisions. If you think the rickshaw is such a good investment, withdraw 200Rs and give your father. Robert cannot pay for everything. He already has paid for dentist, shoes, books, bags, food and 1000Rs in the bank! (They must start learning somewhere that money doesn't grow on the proverbial trees...?)